I just reached the maximum level, and you want me to be a puppet emperor?

Chapter 31 Would he dare to say such words if he is not a saint?

Yunlu Academy is located on the southern bank of the Tiance Dynasty. It is not only the largest academy in the imperial capital, but also a holy place in the hearts of countless scholars.

The academy is located on a towering mountain, shrouded in clouds and mist, like a fairyland. Whenever the dawn breaks or the sun sets, the golden sunlight penetrates the mist and sprinkles on the quaint buildings, adding a bit of mystery and solemnity.

Early in the morning, a convoy slowly stopped at the foot of the mountain. In the luxurious carriage, the ninth princess Li Si Ning walked down the small stairs slowly.

The mountain breeze gently caressed her dress and long hair.

Li Sining has loved reading since she was a child and is the most famous talented woman in the imperial capital.

Yunlu Academy is also her favorite place to visit.

She came to take a last look today because she received news yesterday that the northern envoys had arrived in the imperial capital.

According to the old rules, she, as an unmarried princess, was basically a victim of a political marriage.

Although she was somewhat unwilling, as a member of the royal family, she was well-educated and had already known this outcome.

She strolled along the bluestone path of Yunlu Academy, looking at the lush pines and cypresses and the ever-blooming flowers beside her. The air was filled with the faint scent of books and flowers. These should have made her feel relaxed and happy, but now there was only haze.

Inside the academy, familiar buildings appeared one after another, including the library, lecture hall, and meditation garden...

These are the places where she often reads and attends classes.

"Meet the Ninth Princess."

"Meet the Ninth Princess."

Wherever Li Si Ning passed by, scholars would come over to say hello.

She nodded in response one by one, her smile gentle and reserved, making people yearn for it, but not daring to show any disrespect.

Looking at Li Si Ning's leaving back, the scholars sighed deeply. They seemed to feel regretful in their hearts, but they could do nothing about it.

"Student Li Si Ning, greetings to the Master."

In the Observatory, Li Sining bowed to the teacher in front of her.

The Confucian scholars who were listening to the lecture around also stood up and saluted when they saw Li Sining appear.

Scholars have a lot of red tape to deal with, and it takes a lot of time to go through this set of etiquette.

"The Ninth Princess is here. Please sit down. I'm just now talking about where I left off."

The person who was speaking was the founder of Yunlu Academy, known as Master Yu.

He is respected by countless scholars in the Tiance Dynasty.

He once traveled around the world and discussed philosophy with countless great scholars without ever being at a disadvantage.

When the previous emperor was alive, he also wanted to recruit him to serve as an official in the court, but he politely declined every time.

Yu Fuzi is a very simple person. He just likes reading and giving lectures.

His disciples are spread all over the Tiance Dynasty, and even many in the court. It can be said that his students are all over the world.

If anyone thinks he is a frail scholar, they are totally wrong.

Mr. Yu was eight feet tall, with a bald head and a big white beard, a face full of flesh, and a thin white shirt that couldn't hide his sixteen-pack abs.

Especially his arms, which are bigger than most people's heads.

If he changes his clothes and goes out, everyone will think he is a warrior.

Master Yu reached the state of a saint when he was nearly seventy years old. He then gave up martial arts and turned to literature. He became obsessed with reading, reading from morning to night every day, and was always delighted by the knowledge he gained from books.

This is the main reason why he was able to discuss philosophy with other great scholars while traveling around the countries without losing out.

After all, even if the great scholar on the other side can defeat him in an argument, he still has to consider his feelings.

Otherwise, if this guy gets angry and starts to swing his weapon, who can withstand it?

Over time, Master Yu's reputation spread, and many scholars came to study under him.

He opened the Yunlu Academy in the imperial capital, and soon its fame spread throughout the Tiance Dynasty.

Li Sining was Master Yu's disciple, and Master Yu admired her pure desire for knowledge.

The late emperor was busy with state affairs and had little time to take care of Li Si Ning. Li Si Ning even spent more time in the academy than in the palace.

Master Yu also loved her very much and treated her as his own daughter.

If this happened to anyone else, it would be a heinous crime. How dare they treat the emperor's daughter as their own?
But Master Ke Yu is a saint, he has such transcendent capital and status.

In addition, the late emperor would come to the academy from time to time to play chess and chat with Master Yu, so Li Sining became the darling of the academy with full justification.

Not only is he loved by the imperial master, but most of the scholars in the academy who are still alive and breathing want to be a prince consort.

Li Si Ning is one of the two most beautiful women in the imperial capital, both in terms of beauty and status.

If anyone marries her, he can save decades of detours.

There were many Confucian scholars at the scene who were Li Si Ning's admirers. Several scholars had confessed their love to Li Si Ning before, but they were discovered by Master Yu and were kicked out of the academy.

Nothing like this has happened since.

In fact, Master Yu just wanted Li Si Ning to have a good study environment and did not want complicated emotions to interfere with Li Si Ning, a princess who loved to study.

"Master, Si Ning is here to say goodbye to you today."

The sadness in Li Sining's words really made everyone who heard it feel distressed.

As a disciple of Yunlu Academy, he had many fellow students in the court, so he was naturally well-informed about the news in the academy.

Naturally, they knew something about the royal envoys coming to marry.

So when Li Si Ning came, many scholars showed regretful expressions.

When they heard Li Sining coming to say goodbye, the faces of the Confucian scholars around them were instantly filled with indignation.

"Hmph, how can the Emperor be so weak and incompetent? He actually wants to exchange a marriage for temporary peace!" A scholar in a blue shirt slammed the table and stood up, his eyes full of anger.

"Yes, our dynasty is a great country, how can we allow the royal court of that barbaric land to bully us like this? If we really marry the Ninth Princess off, won't we be laughed at by the whole world?" Another scholar shook his head and sighed, his tone full of helplessness and indignation.

"Your Majesty's actions will only make his relatives sad and his enemies happy! Where is the dignity of our dynasty? Where is the dignity of the people?" A gaunt-faced scholar clenched his fists, his voice trembling slightly with excitement.

"If this is true, how can we scholars sit idly by? We must write letters to make direct appeals to correct the government!" An elderly scholar stood up, his eyes firm and his words sonorous.

The Confucian scholars actually dared to speak directly to the emperor like this. If such remarks were to spread, they would most likely be beheaded.

But this is the academy, and Master Yu is in charge. Master Yu did not stop them. Plus, their admiration for Li Sining was too much for them.

Mr. Yu also put down the book, stroked his beard, and looked at Li Sining with a kind face.

"Si Ning, if you don't want to go, the academy is your home."

As soon as these words were spoken, all the Confucian scholars in the room became extremely excited.

Master Yu is at the saint level, and he said this to protect Li Si Ning.

Not to mention the new emperor, even if the previous emperor came, he would have to give face to Master Yu.

"Thank you for your kindness, Master. Si Ning is a descendant of the royal family and should do her part to stabilize the Tiance Dynasty. Thank you for your teachings, Master and all the senior brothers."

The more sensible Li Sining is, the more reluctant we are to let her go.

Master Yu actually didn't want to see Li Sining like this, but he respected Li Sining's choice.

However, when the Confucian scholars present were in an uproar and were thinking of submitting a joint memorial out of righteous indignation, Li Sining's maid ran in.

"Are you going back so soon?"

Li Sining thought that the maid asked her to return to the palace and wait for marriage.

Because as long as she is engaged, she cannot appear outside the palace, as this will affect the reputation of the royal family.

When the maid said that His Majesty agreed to the marriage, Li Sining was not moved at all, as she had already thought about it.

But the maid took a breath and then repeated what Li Chen said afterwards.

Your Majesty agreed to the marriage, not to marry the Ninth Princess to the North, but to marry the royal family of the Northern Royal Court into the Tiance Dynasty!

After hearing Li Chen's loud words, not only did Li Si Ning widen her eyes, but even Master Yu looked a little surprised.

This news was like a spring breeze, instantly blowing away the haze in the hearts of the Confucian scholars present.

Their faces instantly became respectful and pious, and they began to praise the emperor's wisdom and bravery.

"Oh, so that's how it is! Your Majesty is truly far-sighted. This move can not only demonstrate the majesty of our dynasty, but also save the princess from the pain of marrying far away. It really kills two birds with one stone!" The scholar in green was the first to change his words, his tone full of admiration.

"Yes, yes, yes, the emperor is so brave and mighty, and this kind of brilliant plan is beyond the reach of ordinary people! We are so unworthy of being villains, and we almost misunderstood the emperor's painstaking efforts!" Another scholar also hurriedly echoed, with a look of shame on his face.

"Your Majesty's action not only demonstrates the tolerance and magnanimity of our dynasty, but also lets the Northern Royal Court know how powerful our Tiance Dynasty is! He is truly a wise ruler!" The gaunt-faced scholar's eyes sparkled with admiration, and his words were full of praise for the emperor.

"Yes, the emperor is so wise. As scholars, we should be loyal to our country and serve the court! When the northern royal family marries in, our dynasty will be more prosperous!" The older scholar also stood up excitedly, his voice full of longing and expectation for the future.

Seeing this, Master Yu was speechless. You guys were not the ones who cursed the most just now.

How can you change your face just like that? Do you still have any principles?
Li Sining could never have imagined that this brother, who was usually low-key and whom she had only met a few times, could be so domineering.

Master Yu pondered for a moment and said, "Si Ning, your brother is definitely at the Saint level without a doubt."

Li Si Ning asked in confusion: "How do you know that?"

Master Yu smiled slightly: "If he is not a saint, would he dare to say such a thing?"

Li Si Ning: "That makes sense."

For the first time, Li Sining became curious about someone.

(End of this chapter)